The Publication For Garage Professionals

THE Niche Vehicle Network has launched its research and development contest for this year.

UK manufacturers of niche motor vehicles who are active in the low-carbon technology sector can compete for grants in the annual initiative that is jointly funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre.

The competition has two project categories: Proof of Concept and Production Readiness.

The former will see small motoring companies collaborate on R&D projects aimed at demonstrating technology at a system level through computer simulations, rig testing or production of a prototype system, as well as at a vehicle level through, for example, light weighting innovations and low-carbon powertrain solutions.

Production readiness is for small manufacturers and their supply chain, with the goal of taking existing carbon vehicle tech from demonstration to production readiness in a compressed timescale.

Both contests are now open for bids, with a deadline of midday on June 4. Once this phase of the contest is completed, successful applicants will start their project on October 1, with completion expected by June 30, 2019.